BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide
Scuba Diving and Tanks Aboard a Rental Boat: What to Know
Mask and snorkel are always welcome, scuba tanks are another matter: the rules to know before bringing diving gear aboard a rental boat.
Snorkelling is part of almost every rental itinerary, but scuba diving is a different story: between weight, storage and liability, it's worth checking before you book.
Mask, snorkel, fins: never an issue
There's nothing to declare for standard snorkelling gear: mask, snorkel and fins fit in a bag and carry no particular liability for the owner. It's also the most-used gear on board, anchorage after anchorage.
Why a tank changes things
A full scuba tank weighs around fifteen kilograms and needs to be securely lashed down: poorly secured, it becomes a dangerous projectile in a chop. Most rental contracts exclude scuba diving from the boat without the owner's prior agreement, for insurance reasons: in the event of a diving accident, the owner's liability can be engaged if the activity wasn't declared.
What's generally tolerated (with agreement)
- Bringing one or two tanks already filled by a certified dive centre, secured in a dedicated rack.
- Diving with a second person staying aboard, never alone.
- Telling the owner about the extra weight and bulk before departure, especially on a smaller boat.
What's almost never allowed
Filling a tank on board (compressor), diving unsupervised far from the boat without a visible alpha flag, or using a rental boat as a regular dive base without informing the owner: these uses fall outside a standard rental and risk a dispute over the deposit if something goes wrong.
The right approach
If diving is part of the plan, it's best to mention it at booking time rather than once at the dock: many owners are happy to agree, as long as they're told in advance. Compare offers and contact owners directly through Boat-Comparator, which aggregates Boataround, SamBoat, Click&Boat and GlobeSailor.
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